By Steve Carter/News Editor
TIFTON — The “Million Dollar Dream” was the finishing move of “Million Dollar Man” Ted DiBiase during his wrestling career.
“Million Dollar Dream” could also be a good description of the life that is being led by DiBiase’s son, Ted Jr.
Ted DiBiase Jr. is a member of the “Legacy” faction in World Wrestling Entertainment, and he, along with fellow “Legacy” members Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton, are among the scheduled WWE superstars that will be in Albany Saturday for a 7:30 p.m. show at the James H. Gray Sr. Civic Center.
Not only is DiBiase living his dream of being a professional wrestler, he has also expanded his resume as his feature film debut, “The Marine 2,” will be released on DVD and Blu-Ray Dec. 29.
In a telephone interview from Jackson, Miss., Wednesday, DiBiase said with his wrestling schedule, as well as the promotion of his movie, “My life has been crazy lately.”
DiBiase explained his life usually has him doing house shows during the weekend, the “Raw” television show on Monday, and time off on Tuesday and Wednesday. But the promotion of the movie has taken those days away from him.
Even without much time off, DiBiase loved the experience of making the film, which was shot in Thailand.
“It was a dream come true for me. I reallly enjoyed it,” said DiBiase. “I have seen the final product, and it is really a good movie. The special effects are awesome, and the acting is great.”
Among DiBiase’s co-stars are Temuera Morrison, Michael Rooker and Lara Cox.
Morrison was Jengo Fett in “Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones,” while Rooker has been in several notable movies, including “Days of Thunder” with Tom Cruise and “Cliffhanger” with Sylvester Stallone.
Cox plays DiBiase’s wife, Robin, in the film.
The story has Joe Linwood (DiBiase’s character) and his wife going to the grand opening of a resort in the South Seas. A group of militants take Robin and other guests hostage, meaning Joe has to save them.
“We get to blow up the resort,” said DiBiase with an obvious glee in his voice.
While he appears to be comfortable in his new role as an actor, DiBiase knows his bread-and-butter is wrestling.
His father was a fixture in Georgia for many years, so the younger DiBiase indicated the state has a warm place in his heart.
“My father basically ran that territory for several years,” said DiBiase. “I always look forward to coming back to Albany. I’ve been there several times now.”
Bringing out his athletic background, DiBiase pointed out that not only has he been to Albany as a member of the WWE, but, “I also played soccer there when I was younger.”
Like his “Legacy” teammate, Cody Rhodes (who is the son of “The American Dream” Dusty Rhodes), DiBiase’s roots are in the South. While Rhodes was raised in the Atlanta area, DiBiase was born in Baton Rouge, La. He would then grow up in Clinton, Miss.
While Rhodes and DiBiase are “heels” in wrestling jargon, or the bad guys, DiBiase quickly points out with a chuckle, “We are true Southern gentlemen.”
The most updated card has Rhodes and DiBiase taking on Kofi Kingston in a “2 on 1 Challenge Match.”
“Kofi is tough,” said DiBiase.
As far as the entire show is concerned, DiBiase added, “I promise, fans will get an exciting night.”
The Saturday show in Albany is in the middle of a typical weekend for DiBiase. The “Raw” brand will be in Mobile, Ala., on Friday, Albany on Saturday, Tallahassee, Fla., on Sunday and will be live on the USA Network Monday for “Raw” in Tampa, Fla.
“On average, we can put anywhere between 850 to 1,000 miles on a car during a weekend,” said DiBiase.
With that kind of schedule, DiBiase and the other WWE wrestlers have to work to avoid nagging colds and injuries that may affect their performances.
“It’s all about the diet. You have to really take care of your body,” said DiBiase. “I make sure to take plenty of vitamins. I also drink green tea, which has plenty of antioxidants, which help maintain your help. You have to keep up your training, as well.”
While Rhodes won state championships at Marietta’s Lassiter High School as a junior and senior, DiBiase was not as fortunate.
“Mississippi does not have amateur wrestling in high school. I did play football and soccer in high school and college, and I was very successful,” said DiBiase.
Pointing out that he did not receive his father’s blessing to become a professional wrestler until he graduated college, DiBiase went to Eldon, Mo., after leaving school to train under the legendary Harley Race, a 7-time NWA world champion.
After leaving Race’s tutelage, DiBiase went on to Japan before coming home to America and signing a WWE contract.
“I have been very blessed, I have learned things from my father, and other legends,” said DiBiase. “But, I have also learned a lot from Randy (who is also a third-generation professional wrestler).”
Before he had to leave the interview, DiBiase also wanted to urge fans going to the Albany show Saturday to tape the WWE Tribute to the Troops show that will be broadcast on NBC Saturday at 9 p.m.
“I was unable to go, but it is a great show. It is the most patriotic thing the WWE does every year,” said DiBiase. “President Obama will also be on to send a message to the troops.”
Tickets for Saturday’s show in Albany range from $15-50. For more information on how to obtain tickets go to www.ticketmaster.com or call 1-800-745-3000 or 229-430-5200.
